Saying Goodbye to Your Pet: How to Know When It’s Time

Saying “goodbye” to a beloved pet is a difficult moment in any pet parent’s life. Whether their passing is due to old age, ongoing illness, or a random accident, cherishing your final moments together is sentimental and important.

You have been your pet’s entire world, so making their closing days comfortable and meaningful can make a world of difference at the end. That’s why we are sharing some compassionate tips for saying “goodbye” so you and your pet feel love and closure and how to know when it’s the right time to say goodbye to your pet.

Telltale Signs Your Pet is Approaching End of Life

How do you know when it’s time to say “goodbye”? The presence of an illness or injury is not always a true indicator. Rather, if your pet is experiencing significant issues that are negatively impacting their mobility, quality of life, and happiness – and the condition isn’t improving with treatment – it might be time to consider end of life options. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian who can help you consider all options for your forever fur baby.

Their quality of life has declined

If your pet is in constant pain, is having difficulty breathing, or is experiencing significant behavioral changes like aggression or withdrawal, these can be signs that they are approaching the end. A decline in their quality of life can give reason to put your pet down before they become too uncomfortable or unhappy. 

They have a terminal illness or disease

The presence of a terminal illness or disease that cannot be managed with medication may be a reason to put your pet down. If their condition is impacting their appetite, mobility, and happiness, it may be best to let them go easy before there’s a significant decline. 

They have significant mobility issues

If your pet has difficulty moving, getting up, or lying down, and experiences frequent falling or stumbling, these can be signs they are approaching end of life. It is important for animals to be able to move around, exercise, use the restroom, etc., so mobility issues can greatly impact their health and happiness. 

They’re in a poor mental state

Older pets, or those with significant medical issues, may experience cognitive decline. These symptoms can include confusion, depression, withdrawal, wandering, falling, or getting lost. A loss of interest in the activities they usually enjoy can be another sign. 

They’re experiencing incontinence

Incontinence refers to the inability to control one’s bowels and/or bladder. If your pet is usually potty trained, and is now having frequent accidents, this can be a sign that something is wrong. Losing this function, especially in old age, can indicate that your pet is approaching the end. 

Do keep in mind that these signs don’t always indicate that your pet’s condition is terminal. Always consult a veterinarian to rule out any other issues. They can provide a professional assessment of your dog’s condition and quality of life and help you make an informed decision.

Giving Your Pet Their Best Final Days

Though parting ways with your pet is heartbreaking, many pet parents find peace in knowing that their pet is no longer in pain. Making their final days the best they can be ensures that your pet feels loved, safe, and comfortable.

1. Spend quality time together

Plan a day (or several) dedicated to your pet’s favourite activities, whether that’s as simple as cuddling on the couch or playing fetch, or as special a trip to their favourite beach to splash around. Not only will you cherish this time with your pet, your pet will also find joy and stress-relief in these activities. Just consider your pet’s health status and mobility when it comes to physical activities. 

2. Take a rest outdoors

If your pet has limited mobility, a resting spot outdoors may be a welcome relief to monotony. You can lay out a blanket, keeping your pet close by, allowing them to witness the sights and sniff the smells of outside.

Photo by Wade Lambert on Unsplash 

3. Design a paw print keepsake

There are many services that allow pet parents to create keepsakes preceding their pet’s passing. One such example is taking a paw print impression in clay or ink, creating a sweet memento. This can be turned into a necklace, framed photo, or tile. 

4. Plan a celebration of life

Though saying goodbye is no doubt a sad occasion, it’s also a time to honour your pet’s life and relish in the good times. If you’re feeling emotionally up for it, planning a get-together with your pet’s closest human and/or fur friends can bring a spark of joy to these final moments and allow those who have watched your pup or kitty grow up say ‘goodbye’ as well. 

Photo by Nathan Fertig on Unsplash 

5. Put momentos in a memory box

Fill a box with your pet's favourite toys, collar, photos, and other sentimental items. This can be a meaningful way to keep their memory close.

6. Create a digital or physical memory book

Compile photos, stories, notes, and memories of your time together into a digital photo book or scrapbook. You can even write in captions to describe your moments, add stickers and stamps, and ultimately create a cherished keepsake. 

7. Give them a cuddle buddy

Pets often find comfort in cuddling soft items like stuffed animals, pillows, and blankets. Create a haven for them to rest, cuddle with a stuffy, and stay comfortable. Items like the Snuggle Puppy even replicate a heartbeat to provide added comfort.

8. Write a letter

Dealing with a pet passing away brings up many feelings. Having a medium through which you can express your feelings is helpful and healthy. Consider expressing your thoughts, emotions, gratitude, etc. to your pet in a heartfelt letter. This can help you process your feelings and serves as a tribute to their place in your life.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash 

9. Commission an art piece

There are many animal portrait artists who commission paintings and drawings of beloved pets. This can be a beautiful way to capture your pet’s unique personality and appearance. You can often find such artists on Google, Instagram, or websites like Etsy.com.

10. Plant a tree or garden

While your pet’s physical form may not last forever, planting a tree or garden in their honour can be a way to respect their life for years to come. Watching this grow can be a healing and a visual reminder of the role they played in your life.

There are many creative and meaningful ways to say goodbye to your pet as they near the end of their life. It is a sad moment but also a time to cherish in their final days. Remember the beautiful moments you have shared together and all the joy you’ve brought to each others’ lives. 

11. Give them a favourite meal or special treat

On your pet’s final day, it’s important to fill it with joy and comfort. You don’t want to feed your pet a fast food burger every day, but you can give them a tasty treat before their last trip to the vet to give them the happiest final day. Some veterinarian offices even have a jar full of chocolate kisses, of ‘goodbye kisses,’ for your pet to enjoy before you have to say goodbye.

12. Consider in-home end of life services

At-home veterinary hospice care may be available to assist in your pet’s passing in the comfort of your own home. Typically, this involves a veterinarian consulting with you regarding your pets needs and then coming to your home to offer the euthanasia. This can result in a more comfortable experience for you and your pet. 

Preparing for Your Pet’s End of Life

As pet guardians, we don’t want to think about our pet’s final days. But as with all living beings, passing is part of life. The best we can do is to make our pets as happy and comfortable as possible in the end.

At PHI Direct, we are passionate about supporting pet parents at every stage of their pet’s life – from when they first come home to when it’s time to say goodbye. Having a pet insurance plan from the very beginning helps to ensure that your pet can get the care they need along the way. Before it’s time to say goodbye, consider your pet insurance options regarding coverage for new accidents or illnesses. You – and your pet – will be thankful you did.

Featured image by Simone Dalmeri on Unsplash